KIMBERLEY – President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the official Human Rights Day Commemoration in Kimberley on Saturday.
He said corruption makes people's lives difficult and robs them of their rights.
He says the law will take its course.
''We must also cooperate with law enforcement agencies to root out corruption which is depriving our people of the goods and services that they need to advance their lives.
“Corruption is a scourge that we must rid our country of, for corruption deprives our people of the basic services that they must get but it also diminishes their humanity. Those who choose a path of corruption must now know that our law enforcement agencies will now be more reinvigorated to come after them. We must rid South Africa of corruption. Because it diminishes the rights of our people.''
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Ramaphosa also urged everyone to work with law enforcement to help end the scourge gender-based violence (GBV).
''Everyone in society needs to cooperate with our law enforcement authorities to root out gender-based violence. All of us must join hands, working together to ensure that this scourge is brought to an end.
“For it is unacceptable that a key section of our society should live in fear, should forever be fearing what will happen to their bodily integrity. It is unacceptable that men of our country should feel that they have dominance over the women and girls of our country. This must be brought to an end.”
He said freedom belongs to all people who live within our country and we're all equal.
“Our Constitution was not born in comfort; it was forged in struggle. It was shaped by injustice, and it was designed to overcome injustice. The adoption of that Constitution 30 years ago marked a turning point in human history in many ways.
“It declared unequivocally that every person has inherent dignity. Every citizen is equal before the law, and that freedom belongs to all who live in this land.”
Earlier in the day, Ramaphosa visited Retlameleng Special School where he said the school should have more learners there. The school caters for 100 children.
“You’re young people we rely on for the future of our country. The existence of this school is testament to that enduring commitment to ensure all South Africans dignity. This school is a beacon of hope in this community, an example of what’s possible with the support of all partners.”